If you don't know about the greatness of Netflix hit Stranger Things yet, then where have you been for the past two years?

The sci-fi series, which debuted on the popular streaming service in 2016, caused a stir among film buffs for its incredible mix of hooking plot lines, nostalgic 80s reference and ace soundtrack.

The show gave us exciting acting talent with the predominantly young cast in place. From the loyal Mike, Dustin and Lucas - played by Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin, respectively - to the mysterious and disturbed Eleven - played by Millie Bobby Brown who is slowly but surely taking over the world. We're sure to be in the midst of some future Oscar winners. But it doesn't stop there, Series 2 added some more new faces including Sadie Sink, Dacre Montgomery, Paul Rise and Sean Astin.

Advertisement

In honour of our love for the show, we take a look at the Stranger Things cast and what they're up to (and look like) in IRL...

There's a new female lead in Series 2 (yay) and her name is Max. She's a skateboarding, red-headed, moody badass that Dustin and Lucas both fall for instantly. Max has moved to Hawkins from California - with her bad boy big brother Billy (more on him later).

Netflix

Sadie Sink

Sadie Sink, 15, is best known for her Suzanne Ballard on Odyssey (2015) and most recently Glass Castle (2017). Sadie has worked with stars like Helen Mirren and Naomi Watts in the past. We reckon her following is about to blow up...

Max's brother Billy is constantly horrible to her. But why?? He also happens to be VERY hot, despite his 80s perm.

Netflix

Dacre Montgomery

ERM HI. Billy is played by 22-year-old actor Dacre Montgomery. He's starred in smaller roles like as Jason in Power Rangers in the past, but this is sure to be his big break. And now for the most important question: is he single? YES - WE THINK.

Another new character is Bob, Joyce's new boyfriend. He works at Radio Shack, brings Joyce baloney sandwiches at lunch, slow-dances with her in the living room and is nice to her kids.

Netflix

Sean Astin

You might recognise comedy actor Sean Astin as Sam from Lord of the Rings, a well as tons of other film and TV gigs from his long career.

@SeanAstin/Twitter

Dr Owen

New character Dr Owen is running the show at the laboratory now. He seems like he's a good guy - but is he? The Gate to the Upside Down is still open in the basement - and they've come up with a convoluted story about The Russians (remember it's 1984) to ensure everyone in Hawkins keeps its existence secret.

Netflix

Comedy actor Paul Reiser is a Emmy, Golden Globe, American Comedy Award and Screen Actors Guild nominee. His daughter is actress Eliza Dushku, best known as Faith in Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

@paulreiser / Twitter

Mike Wheeler

Mike Wheeler is the devoted friend of Will, whose determination to find his best friend is unwavering. We all wish we had a friend like Mike.

Netflix

Finn Wolfhard

Mike is played by Canadian actor Finn Wolfhard, an up and coming star who has previously landed other roles in The 100 and Supernatural (we're sensing sci-fi might be his forte?). He also plays a bit of guitar from time to time...

Getty Images

Barb Holland

Barb just wants the best for her best friend Nancy, and her concerns are raised when she gets into a relationship with Steve and starts hanging around with the cool kids.

Netflix

Shannon Purser

In real life, Barb is played by breakout star Shannon Purser. Shannon works in a movie theatre outside of acting and she's a big Harry Potter fan. Shannon has also become quite a hit on Twitter, using the hashtag #barbtweets to please her growing followers. Find her on Twitter here.

Shannon Purser also recently came out as bisexual. The 19-year-old actress, who plays Ethel Muggs on Riverdale, reacted to a fans being annoyed about the show teasing a kiss between the two female leads, suggesting the network was 'queer baiting' without following through on the romance.

Shannon shared on social media: "I don't normally do this, but I figure now is just as good a time as any to get personal," she tweeted. "I've only just recently come out as bisexual to my family and friends. It's something I am still processing and trying to understand and I don't like talking about it too much.

"I'm very very new to the LGBT community. I have never heard the term 'queer-baiting' in my life until today. That being said, I have never ever wanted to alienate anyone and my tweet was thoughtless. I wasn't referring to all the Beronica shippers, just the ones who had been particularly cruel to me personally.

"Either way, it wasn't a wise or kind thing to say and I'm disappointed in myself, especially as a Christian who has always been taught to speak love to others. Thank you to all the people who kindly reached out to me and educated me about the reality [of] your feelings about queer-baiting and I apologize to those who were hurt. Much love."

Getty Images

Jim Hopper

In the series, Jim Hopper plays the brooding copper who leads the investigation to find Will Byers. He's also got a sad past, only fully delved into in the later episodes...

Netflix

David Harbour

Hopper (as he's affectionately known) is played by American actor David Harbour. David's also known for his roles in Brokeback Mountain, The Equalizer and Quantum of Solace. And he's kinda hot, no? Find him on Twitter here.

davidkharbour/Twitter

Jonathan Byers

Jonathan Byers is the concerned, introvert brother of Will Byers in the series. Though he's a bit of a social outsider, his determination to find his brother drives him through...

Netflix

Charlie Heaton

Jonathan is played by English actor Charlie Heaton (yep - that accent isn't real), with Stranger Things being his breakthrough role. He also does a bit of amateur modelling on the side. Find him on Instagram here.

Getty Images

Dustin Henderson

Dustin, or 'Toothless' (as the school bullies call him), is one fourth of the gang of friends that go in search for their friend Will, along with Mike and Lucas. Dustin is loveable, funny, but mostly loyal.

Netflix

Gaten Matarazzo

In real life, Dustin is played by American Gaten Matarazzo who's also acted in the film Blacklist. His hair is just as curly IRL... though this photo shows it slightly crazier. Find him on Twitter here.

Getty Images

Nancy Wheeler

Nancy Wheeler is sister of Mike, and love interest of school cool kid Steve Harrington. When her friend Barb goes missing, she devotedly joins Jonathan to find out what's going on.

Netflix

Natalia Dyer

She's starred alongside Miley Cyrus in Hannah Montana: The Movie, but Stranger Things is for sure to be Natalia Dyer's big break.

Getty Images

Lucas Sinclair

Lucas Sinclair is another pal of Will's who'll do just about anything to get his friend back, even if it means falling out with other friends (Mike) along the way.

Netflix

Caleb McLaughlin

The loyal Lucas is played by Caleb McLaughlin, who's previously had small roles in Law and Order and Shades of Blue. He'll also be playing the young American footballer Ricky Bell in an upcoming biopic. Find him on Twitter here.

Getty Images

Will Byers

Will is the son of Joyce, brother of Jonathan and best friend of Mike, Lucas and Dustin who is abducted in the first episode.

Netflix

Noah Schnapp

Will is played by Noah Schnapp, who's already had some big acting gigs including one alongside Tom Hanks in Bridge of Spies. No mean feat for an 12-year-old. Find him on Twitter here.

Getty Images

Joyce Byers

Joyce Byers is the devoted mother whose son's disappearance drives her a little crazy. But despite doubts and accusations, she never stops searching.

Netflix

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder, who plays Joyce Byers, is one of actresses from the series that we already know of. Despite taking a bit of a step down from the spotlight since her 90s heyday, the Beetlejuice actress is back with a bang with this performance.

amandaefriedman/Instagram

Steve Harrington

We all fancied a Steve Harrington in school. The popular guy starts off as the love interest of Nancy Wheeler, but he has a bit of a douche moment.

Netflix

Joe Keery

The (easy on the eye) Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington, has done acting bit and bobs in the past, but Stranger Things is his first major role. In real life, Joe's hair is a bit less bouffant. Find him on Twitter here.

Getty Images

Eleven

Eleven is the mysterious, other-worldly girl who Mike, Lucas and Dustin stumble upon when looking for Will. At first they're cautious of her, but Eleven soon becomes their friend in spite of their reservations.

Netflix

Millie Bobby Brown

The dark and broody Eleven is played by her polar opposite, cherpy 13-year-old Millie Bobby Brown, who has made quite a name for herself since the show. For the role, Millie *actually* shaved off her long locks. Now that's dedication. Find her on Twitter here.

REX

Dr. Martin Brenner

Dr. Martin Brenner is the manipulative scientist in charge of Hawkins Laboratory and the experiments performed there. He's cold, evil and totally creepy. But is the actor who plays him anything alike?

Netflix

Matthew Modine

Short answer: no. Matthew Modine, who plays Brenner, is pretty much the antithesis of his character. Just follow him on Twitter here to read his musings on politics, his compliments about his co-stars and frequent emoji use.

As for his acting, he's known for his roles in The Dark Knight Rises, Transporter 2 and Memphis Belle. Matthew is also married with two kids.

Netflix

Karen Wheeler

Karen Wheeler is the concerned mother of Mike and Nancy, and friend to Joyce Byers.

She's *really* anxious in the show, but given the events, who can blame her...

Netflix

Cara Buono

IRL, Karen is played by actress Cara Buono, who you may recognise for her roles in The Sopranos and Mad Men. Cara's Instagram is comprised of holiday snaps, photos of her kids and behind-the-scenes shots from the Stranger Things set. Check it out here.